Not Long After Opening, Boston Scientific To Begin Large Expansion at Arbor Lakes Campus
Boston Scientific, Maple Grove’s largest employer, has begun work on an ambitious expansion plan for its Arbor Lakes campus that opened last fall.
The medtech giant is planning a 300,000-square foot expansion, dubbed Phase II of the Minnesota Science and Technology Center. The project will result in an overall building that’s nearly twice the size of the newly opened 400,000-square-foot building just north of I-94.
Emily Colletti, senior director of facilities and global workplace strategy at Boston Scientific, called Phase I “a tremendous success.”
“The employee base is also equally excited about this,” said Colletti at the Jan. 12 Maple Grove Planning Commission meeting.
Colletti said all the employees scheduled to move into the new building have relocated.
The large four-story addition will be primarily office and lab space to support the company’s growing cardiovascular division in Maple Grove. The expansion would be built to the east of the existing building, extending its presence along I-94.
Minneapolis-based Ryan Cos., the largest real estate developer in the Twin Cities, is leading the project.
Rendering of proposed expansion/Courtesy Ryan Cos.
Details of Large Expansion
At the planning commission meeting, members unanimously recommended approval of a planned unit development concept stage plan and development stage plan. The Maple Grove City Council has the final say, which is expected to give approval at its Jan. 20 meeting.
The project will require the removal of 73rd Avenue. To take its place, an extension of Fountains Lane would be built, which would link up with 73rd Avenue.
Maple Grove Planning Manager Peter Vickerman said the architecture will continue same theme as the existing building.
“Despite the scale of the project, it’s ultimately pretty straightforward,” said Vickerman. “We’re happy to see this come through. It’s a great addition to the city.”
Colletti said the existing building applied for LEED Gold certification, the second highest rating for environmentally sustainable buildings. The building incorporated solar panels and geothermal well technology for more efficient energy usage. Colletti said the company intends to apply for LEED Gold designation in Phase II as well.
Boston Scientific is also working with the University of Minnesota on pollinator plantings around the building and plans to put beehives on the property, Colletti said.
The project also listed amenities around the building that could include ponds, nature trails and community gardens.
In addition to this expansion, Boston Scientific also has plans to expand its Weaver Lake Road campus.
Rendering for proposed Boston Scientific expansion/Courtesy Ryan Cos.
